MPs back changes for NI same-sex marriage and abortion laws
Last updated 9th Jul 2019
MPs have backed a motion which could leaglise same-sex marriage and abortion in Northern Ireland.
Westminster will have to pass the new laws, if a new Stormont Executive is not formed by October 21st.
The gay marriage ban is a key dispute between the DUP and Sinn Fein, who have struggled for years to reconcile their differences.
The Stormont powersharing administration has not sat for two-and-a-half years, and Labour MP Conor McGinn led the cross-party bid to address the issue at Westminster.
Director of The Rainbow Project and member of the Love Equality civic campaign John O'Doherty said: "Parliament has always had the power to legislate for marriage equality in Northern Ireland and we are glad the House of Commons has seen sense and voted to give people in Northern Ireland the same freedoms enjoyed by everyone else in these islands.
"All love is equal and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with our community, friends, colleagues and allies from across these islands.
"Our future got a little brighter today and we hope that LGBT people across Northern Ireland will wake up tomorrow feeling more hopeful for the future we all want to see.''
The DUP and religious leaders believe marriage is between a man and woman and civil partnerships are an option for same-sex couples.
Sinn Fein and a coalition of civic society activists believe the change is an issue of equality and human rights.
A proposal aiming to extend abortion access was also approved, by 332 votes to 99.
After MPs voted in favour of her abortion bill, Labour MP Stella Creasy tweeted: "Thank you to everyone who today stood up for equality in Northern Ireland - whether for same sex marriage or abortion, today we have said everyone in the UK deserves to be treated as an equal. There's a road to go yet but today a big step forward #TheNorthISNext #LoveEquality''.
However, CARE Chief Executive, Nola Leach said:
“Today, most MPs who were in the Commons have chosen to bypass devolution in Northern Ireland and impose a radical new abortion regime on the Province, without any consultation with people who live there.
“This is a tragic outcome and one we believe will have devastating consequences for women and babies across Northern Ireland.
“Westminster MPs who do not represent NI constituencies have shamelessly forced abortion law change on the people of NI.
“The consequences of this vote will be felt all over the United Kingdom and it will likely lead to a further liberalisation of the law on abortion—a law that has already resulted in 9 million babies being aborted since 1967.
“The amendment MPs have backed today was based on a report by an unelected UN sub-committee whose recommendations were non-judicial and non-binding.
“Today is a backwards step when it comes to the rights of women and babies. It is not a triumph of human rights, but a subverting of true democracy."